The Small Print

Laminate, Wood Flooring & LVT: Measuring & Fitting

Measuring

Laminate, Wood Flooring and LVT Flooring, are all available in different pack sizes. Please consider this whilst measuring your room size for Laminate, Wood or LVT flooring.

1. Measure the length and width of your room at the longest and widest points, remembering to measure into all alcoves and doorways.

2. We recommend that you add 10% on to your total area to allow for excess and to make sure the cuts in the floor are staggered when laid.

3. It's also a good idea to have a few extra pieces in case you accidentally damage any flooring in the future, giving you accessible pieces to replace the damaged planks without having to buy a new pack.

4. Calculate the total area and check the pack size of the flooring that you want to order.e.g. If the pack size is 1.9066m2 and your total area is 15m2, you will need 8 packs.

• Alternatively, we have an in-built flooring calculator on each product meaning that you can input your dimensions or total area and the calculator will do the work for you.

Example:

a. The room on the right measures 5m x 3m, after allowing for extra this will measure 5.10m x 3.10m.

b. Simply input "5.10" into the length field and "3.10" into the width field to show the number of packs required.

c. Using the above method based on the pack size being 1.9066m2 you will be able to see that you will need 9 packs to cover your area, possibly 10 if you allow for extra.

• Double check every measurement for complete accuracy.

Fitting Laminate

Preparation

a. Confirm that the sub floor is even and dry.

b.Make sure your floorboards are flat and all nails/ screws are flat.

c.If you have a newly laid concrete floor, please make sure that it is dry before you begin.

d. If you have an uneven concrete floor you must use a self levelling compound and allow it to completely dry.

e. When fitting over concrete you must put down a damp-proof membrane to stop any moisture from getting through to your flooring.

f. If possible, remove all skirting boards before fitting so you can fit it back over the top of your flooring.

g. If this is not possible, you can use Scotia or wood beading to finish.

Underlay

a. Fit the laminate flooring underlay by laying it down side by side and securing it together using masking tape.

b. Laminate flooring underlay is thinner than carpet underlay to ensure that there is minimal movement of your laminate flooring.

c. Double check that you have left an expansion gap of at least 5mm around the edge of your room.

Cutting

a. When cutting laminate or wood flooring, cut with the 'face' side up using a finishing saw.

b. It may help to use a set-square when drawing your cutting line to help you get a perfectly straight edge.

c. When cutting complex shapes or curves, it may help to use a jigsaw or coping saw.

d. When cutting LVT flooring, you can simply use a sharp craft knife to score the surface.

e. Press hard to ensure you cut through the wear layer.

f. Apply pressure to both sides in order to snap the join along the score line.

g. You can easily cut complex shapes and curves using this method.

Fitting

Please Note: Most designs have slight variation in colour across the different planks, so it’s always good practice to mix up planks from all your packs to ensure a varied, natural looking floor.

a. Boards are normally laid in the direction of the longest wall.

b. If the area is square, lay the boards in the direction of incoming light.

c. Start in a corner and lay your first row of boards along the longest wall.

d. The 'tongue' side of the board should face the wall.

e. The ends will slot together by dropping the top board over the bottom.

f. Most of our laminate, wood and LVT flooring use a drop-click system that doesn't require adhesive.

g. The last board may need cutting to fit. Ensure you allow for the expansion gap, usually 5-10mm (check the manufacturer's instructions on the box).

h. Begin the second row, making sure you stagger the joins of the rows to ensure a good fit. You can use the off cut from the first row as your first piece in the second row to achieve this.

i. For flooring with a 'drop click' installation system, simply angle the two edges together and rotate down to 'click' into place.

j. Align the side and end in place, rotating so the ends align and click into place.

k. You can ensure a true fit by gently tapping a block against the grooved side of each board with a mallet or hammer.

l. Be sure to check your specific fitting instructions that came with the product.

Fitting Around a Pipe

1. Mark the position of the pipe on the plank or tile that it needs to go through.

2. Drill a hole slightly larger than the pipe to allow for expansion.

3. Make two cuts from the edge of the board to the hole at an angle.

4. Fit the board as described above and glue the small wedge you cut out of the board behind the pipe, making sure you allow for the expansion gap.

Fitting Around Door Mouldings and Frames

a. It can be very difficult to cut laminate and wood flooring to fit around door frames and other wood mouldings.

b. We recommend using a flat saw to cut the bottom of the frame or moulding to allow your flooring to slot underneath.

Finishing

a. When you've finished, remove any spacers used.

b. Put the skirting back over your flooring.

c. If you are using Scotia or beading, pin it to the skirting and not to the floor.

d. Add a door bar to any doorways, using the appropriate type to join to the adjacent flooring.